“I said, ‘Simon a lot of people want me to say a lot of things to you right now. But what I want you to know is that I forgive you. The reason I can forgive you is that Jesus Christ died so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven. I can certainly extend that same grace to you.’ And then something extraordinary happened. His jaw dropped, he kept looking around to see what was going on, because that’s not what he was expecting and he got up, he gave me a big hug, he apologized and my relationship with him has been amazing ever since.” – Mandisa on Simon Cowell

That isa quote from the new documentary “From Idol to Inspiration,” that will air on the Gospel Music channel on Thursday, April 23rd at 7edt/6c dt.The show will immediately precede the Gospel Music Awards to be seen on that same channel. According to a press release from the Gospel Music Channel Network and David Lewis Productions:

“American Idol(R)” is exposing the world to Gospel/Christian performers like never before. From the very beginning of “American Idol(R),” singers from gospel/Christian music backgrounds have flourished on the show, as have performers who proudly profess their faith. Winners Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia and Jordin Sparks and finalists Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, George Huff, Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle and Mandisa are all examples of this trend. Many have gone on to sign with Gospel/Christian divisions of major record labels and are seen regularly on GMC, and will also be seen in The Dove Awards telecast following “From Idol to Inspiration.”

“American Idol(R)” finalists telling their story in “From Idol to Inspiration” include Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle and Mandisa, as well as journalists who cover the program, Brian Mansfield of USA Today and Gil Kaufman of MTV News. There have been many Christians on the series and this season’s “American Idol(R)” features three worship leaders in the finalists group. “From Idol to Inspiration” will tell the story of one of those finalists, worship leader Danny Gokey, whose wife, Sophia, died a few weeks before his “American Idol” audition.”

Set your DVRs or get to the television early. It should be interesting.